As we are heading into winter here I thought I would check up on the requirements for tacking my camper over the passes in winter. Because I have a 4x4 with M&S tires I figured that I wouldn't have to worry about chains. Was I in for a surprise. The rules are completely different for vehicles over 10,000 lb GVW. If I am reading this right the law requires, for vehicles over 10,000 lb's:- chains on vehicles, both drive axel, if the signs say traction tires required or chains required.- carrying a minimum of two extra sets off chains.- carrying the 2 sets of chains regardless of road conditions from Nov. 1st to April 1st regardless of road conditions if I go over a pass.Chain requirement lawIs this peoples actual experience?

I have a travel trailer and am in Oregon. When chains or traction devices are "required", we have to chain up both the tow vehicle (rear wheels only) and the trailer (any axle). So in the winter, I carry chain chains for the truck and cable chains for the trailer. Have had to use them a couple times and was glad I did. Without a trailer, then the weight limit would apply. If below that weight limit, then snow tires and/or 4x4 would be sufficient.I doubt very many people carry extra sets of chains. Though sometimes I do when winter snow camping as chains on both rear and front four wheels of a 4x4 can really pull.Same here. The carry requirement applies from about November 1 - April 1 (don't keep track of the exact dates, as I put them in plenty early)Steve

Washington will have State Patrol enforcing chain requirements on really bad days.

My 4x4 truck is stickered for 9800 lbs GVW and I carry one set of chains I can use on the front or rear drive axle on the 19.5's. When hauling the trailer, I avoid the passes in the winter but will carry a set of cable chains for it Nov-Apr just in case.

WA chain law also pertains to MHs pulling toads. If the toad has auxilary braking then it must be chained.I have been asked to see if I had chains but never asked to show. In OR, I was going over the Siskiyous and OR State Police was checking everyone. I beleive this was more to space out traffic then actual chain inspection.It is best to wait out the traction devices requirement for cars and chains for over 10,000. When the truckers go with no chains, we go!

SteveAE wrote:I have a travel trailer and am in Oregon. When chains or traction devices are "required", we have to chain up both the tow vehicle (rear wheels only) and the trailer (any axle). So in the winter, I carry chain chains for the truck and cable chains for the trailer. Have had to use them a couple times and was glad I did. Without a trailer, then the weight limit would apply. If below that weight limit, then snow tires and/or 4x4 would be sufficient.I doubt very many people carry extra sets of chains. Though sometimes I do when winter snow camping as chains on both rear and front four wheels of a 4x4 can really pull.Same here. The carry requirement applies from about November 1 - April 1 (don't keep track of the exact dates, as I put them in plenty early)SteveChains on TT braking wheels. not any wheels unless all wheels are braking wheels.

Washington Winter Mountain Pass Chain Requirements

wnjj
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
~DJ~ wrote:
enblethen wrote:
That is two extra chains, not extra sets. This is more based on over the road trucks.

OK, I'm confused. What is 2 extra chains if not a set of chains? Cross links?

A "set" of chains must be for one tire so they want you to carry enough spares for one axle (2 extra sets).
enblethen
Nomad
Oct 12, 2013
A set is for two locations.
An extra chain is so if you break or loose one, you can replace the lost one.
wnjj
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
enblethen wrote:
A set is for two locations.
An extra chain is so if you break or loose one, you can replace the lost one.

The OP said, "carrying a minimum of two extra sets off chains" when the law says to carry 2 extra chains. So in that context, "set" meant one wheel.

That's what the confusion is about. Put simply, you need 4 wheel's worth of chains to meet that law.
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
wnjj wrote:
enblethen wrote:
A set is for two locations.
An extra chain is so if you break or loose one, you can replace the lost one.

The OP said, "carrying a minimum of two extra sets off chains" when the law says to carry 2 extra chains. So in that context, "set" meant one wheel.

That's what the confusion is about. Put simply, you need 4 wheel's worth of chains to meet that law.

LOL If two chains are a "set" then why not just say an extra set is required vs two extra chains? This comment was directed at the idiots who wrote this lame law..........our gov't hard at work!!!! :R
wnjj
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
~DJ~ wrote:
wnjj wrote:
enblethen wrote:
A set is for two locations.
An extra chain is so if you break or loose one, you can replace the lost one.

The OP said, "carrying a minimum of two extra sets off chains" when the law says to carry 2 extra chains. So in that context, "set" meant one wheel.

That's what the confusion is about. Put simply, you need 4 wheel's worth of chains to meet that law.

LOL If two chains are a "set" then why not just say an extra set is required vs two extra chains? This comment was directed at the idiots who wrote this lame law..........our gov't hard at work!!!! :R

To be fair, a "set" is vague whereas 2 means exactly that, especially when dually and multi-axle combination vehicles are involved.

But yeah, they are lame for not updating the 10k number for decades.

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Washington Winter Mountain Pass Chain Requirements

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